The relaxation, forging new friendships and sampling some delicious Greek food continues at the Sani Resort in Kassandra, Halkidiki. Last night’s dinner was held at the Ouzeri, an open air venue with the view of the Sani Beach down below. Just as the sun was setting, we were seated and waited with anticipation for a dinner created by Master Chef Dimitris Skarmoutsos.
If the view didn’t already woo us, we were bound to enjoy the creative dishes from the chef who was one of the judges on Greece’s version of Master Chef. First up was a bowl filled with olive oil, olives, balls of yogurt, herbs and a basket of delicious bread. The olive oil begged to be dipped into with the bread.
The first course was a braised cuttlefish with fennel, greens and a hint of petimezi. The cuttlefish simply melted in our mouths and the evening’s food simply got better!
The course was a warm salad of fava beans, chick peas and a broth that was so delicious, we had to ask our server to bring us spoons so that we could finish the entire dish.
In Greece, we call split peas “fava” and in the next course, the split peas were simmered then pureed and served as a bedding for a smoky, tender and delicious melange of Siglino (pork), olives and fennel.
Greek love their cheese and this crusted Graviera cheese that was pan-seared and served on a warm bed of salad was fantastic with the Tselepos Mantineia Moschofilero.
The main for the evening was a pork belly that was served in bite-sized pieces on a bed of smoked eggplant, fortified Greek wine (liasto) and marjoram.
Already full but anxious for dessert, we were treated to not just one but two desserts. The first was a glass of wheat berries served with pomegranate seeds and a side of Rakomelo from Crete.
The final touch for the evening was a dark chocolate pudding served with hazelnuts, orange spoon sweet and biscuits. Each bite was a surprise and so ended another super-cool evening at the Sani Gourmet Festival.
Off I go to get ready for an afternoon party where I’m sure to meet some of the wonderful sponsors, organizers and folks that simply adore Greek cuisine.
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© 2007-2011 Peter Minakis
Always a treat to read about your travels in Greece! What a gorgeous presentation of food and lots of innovative cooking.
We are extremely jeolous Peter:D Have a fabulous time!!
Dinner sublime framed by an unforgettable sunset.
Congratulations.
I want to try it all but especially the pork belly…..mmmmm yummy.
Peter, what a fabulous meal but sadly I ogled the photos of each tempting dish on an empty stomach…. I want to taste it all! That crusted Graviera cheese looks incredible!
Wonderful menu and photos! Enjoy your stay!
I soooo want to dip my bread in that bowl of olives!!
Fabulous meal!
And ooh look at the color of the sea and sky!
Wheat berries and pomegranate seed dessert is intriguing.
You are a fortunate man, Peter.
LL
Peter, this is how I envision modern Greek cuisine to be like. That pork belly looks amazing as does that crusted Graviera cheese! I’m loving the food mate!